Rondo Out Saturday: Giddens to Start?

Posted by Brian Robb on Jan 1, 2010 51407 commentshttp%3A%2F%2Fcelticshub.com%2F2010%2F01%2F01%2Frondo-out-saturday-giddens-to-start%2FRondo+Out+Saturday%3A+Giddens+to+Start%3F2010-01-01+23%3A00%3A52Brian+Robbhttp%3A%2F%2Fcelticshub.com%2F%3Fp%3D5140

The news comes in from ESPNBoston.com Celtics beat man Chris Forsberg, after the team had a New Years’ Day practice back at Waltham.

Doc is finally taking his foot of the gas with number 9 after playing him 45+ minutes multiple times on this road trip. Rajon played just 32 minutes during the blowout in Phoenix. Hamstring injuries can tend to linger in general, so this looks to be something that Doc wants to nip in the bud before it becomes more of an issue. With Rondo sitting out Saturday, he would get a full week of rest before the C’s next game Wednesday in Miami.

Replacing him in the starting lineup will be none other than J.R. Giddens which comes as a bit of a shocker as well as a late Christmas present for Brendan Jackson. According to Forsberg, Doc tried to keep news under wraps but Perk spilled the beans in a post practice interview session. Forsberg has more from Giddens reacting to the news:

“It’s a dream come true,” said Giddens, who jokingly prayed that Rivers wouldn’t change his mind. “I’ve been working hard –working and working — I have to go out and get it done now. Me getting this chance, it’s probably the biggest chance in my NBA career. I don’t even know to describe it in words.”

Giddens planned to return to the Sports Authority Training Center Friday night to get in some extra shots and a run — but stressed he didn’t want to overdo it on the eve of his big chance.

“You’ve all seen me for last year and all of this season — I’m anxious to get out there, share my gift with the world,” said Giddens.

Rivers pulled his youngest players — Giddens, second-year forward Bill Walker, and rookie guard Lester Hudson — into his office Friday morning and made the announcement that Giddens would work with the first team. He also stressed how all three players must step up with Boston battling injuries.

We’ve talked a lot here on Celtics Hub about taking off the reins on the younger players and giving them a chance. The absurd amount of injuries to the team however have appeared to force Doc’s hand, so it will be interesting to see how they respond. I’m also curious to see how much run Hudson and Walker get along with Giddens, as well as if this will be more than a one game opportunity. Playing against a porous Toronto defense Saturday though will be a nice chance for these guys, especially Giddens, to make a positive impression playing their first meaningful minutes of the year.

Giddens’ insertion into the starting lineup means we will likely be seeing Ray Allen or perhaps even TA handling point guard duties with the starting five. Certainly not an ideal situation for the first team’s offense but one that bears watching. The team does stand to benefit defensively however with Giddens in the lineup as opposed to Eddie House against a Raptor team that has a good deal of offensive firepower.

Finally, Forsberg also reports Big Baby will play Saturday barring an unforeseen setback with his ankle. With Davis in uniform, it will give the team 11 active players against The Raptors.